The city of Ankeny has planned a holiday bash before Ankeny Mayor Gary Lorenz lights the Christmas tree Friday night.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. at the Ankeny Market and Pavilion. The Nadas, Central Iowa's beloved band, will perform and an ice carving demonstration will take place in the pavilion.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Helping Hand Food Pantries throughout the city. Because the little pantries are not climate controlled, canned goods or items than can freeze are not advised. Dry goods and personal care items are encouraged.

This free event concludes with a fireworks show after Lorenz and Santa light the tree.

But the weekend activities don't end there.

Uptown Ankeny has planned Christmas in Uptown. See Santa and Mrs Claus at the Historical Society Barn, take your own pictures and get your token for a treasure hunt.

Then stop into the Uptown businesses with a Santa Stop Sign for your treasure bag. There will be treats, specials, shopping, gift wrapping and horse drawn wagon rides.

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The giant tree at the fire station is lighted across the street from the party during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

The choir from Ankeny High provides holiday music for the guests during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

Ankeny City Council member Wade Steenhoek and his wife, Julie, enjoy the great music from their son's choir during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

Frosty the Snowman comes to life and waves to the passing children during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

David Jensen of the Urbandale Hy-Vee carves Santa and the chimney from a block of ice during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

David Jensen of the Urbandale Hy-Vee carved Santa and the chimney from a block of ice during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

Ankeny Mayor Gary Lorenz, left, and Ankeny City Council member Wade Steenhoek stand before the tree at the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

Greta, 1, and Haisley Wiles, 3, of Ankeny join Mrs. Claus and Santa for a holiday photo that is a hit with 75 percent of the participants at Porch Light Coffeehouse, 417 SW Third St., during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin/For the Register

Guests enjoy the fireworks show during the annual Mayor's Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion at 715 W. First St. featuring ice sculpture demonstration, children's craft, costumed characters, music, a visit from Santa and a fireworks finale. Lee Navin / For the Register